Matterhorn

GrimGriz said:

The map seemed a little lopsided to me, especially compared to how the HUD displays. It felt much more like a:
C - E - D
A - - B
than the
- - E - -
A B C D
that displays.

Click to expand...

Yeah in response to both you and captain, both of the issues with the point HUD structure, the setup and the 'openness' of E, were a product of me setting up my first CP map . I had left it assuming it couldn't be fixed, however I guess that ignorance has finally caught up with me.

I fully intended to have E directly on top as a third row, however when I tried it stacked OVER TOP of the other points, so I figured it was broken. I think throwing it in between C and D like you said, and adding a star as captain suggested like on steel (which is actually a custom map heh) would help people a lot.

E was supposed to be only become available after C or D was capped as you assumed, but again, I couldn't figure out how to specify in the entities that only ONE of the two is needed, without specifying only one that would unlock it, and the other not, if you know what I mean. If anyone can help me with the logic please do!

As for E, first to give you a bit of history, I added the circular doors before I added the Sentry platform in the back of E as it seemed impossible for Red to get setup after C and D were capped. Also, the door by Red spawn was to prevent Red from being able to literally walk out and start defending, although the irony is I DID want the final point to feel somewhat like Dustbowls final point. Do you think BOTH doors should be removed or just the one from C?

The vent was added in order to provide Blue with more incentive to capture D, as well as give them an alternate area to attack from. The room between vents will look much better and less confusing in later versions, assuming it continue to add to gameplay overall.

Phew, there's a mouthful

I'm going to debate with myself on the doors for a bit. As it stands the latest version removed both doors at E, however the more I think about it the more I still want the D-side door. Sentries cover the path regardless of having the door open and close.

As for closing off the vent until D is capped, I'll consider it, especially now that E is fixed (a big thank-you to Boojum as always!)

And Booj, I have one last entity problem for you (assuming I don't still have the problem at C you mentioned). How do I configure the game to display the Win message Blue successfully captured all the points, when they cap E early, as opposed to what is currently displaying (Blue successfully DEFENDED...)?

Victory! Hopefully this setup will help people with understanding the layout, cheers for the suggestions everyone.

Aight, Version A9 is now available. I've addressed most of the issues discussed, and a big thanks to A Boojum Snark for all of the entity help he's provided to get my setup just right

Here's the changelog:
Changes:
- Removed the round door connecting C and E
- Added a barrier to the D vent that requires D be captured before it can be access by Blue
- Added supports in the E lobby/staging area
- Fixed an issue where Red could not be recognized while standing on points with Blue
- Fixed the Blue Win message when Blue captures E early
- Rearranged the Capture Points HUD display, and locked E (Now marked with a Star)
- Added a few missing point_spotlights
- Added other small aesthetic details
- Added a few more signs where needed
- Begun Optimization (added Areaportals and began Hint placement)

Known issues:
- Some clipping issues may arise, PLEASE REPORT THEM!

Things to do:
- Finish final lighting
- Continue detailing

Alright, to address the above posts:

@eerieone, I understand where you're coming from, and I supposed it'd the fault of my design method. I tend to design maps piece by piece as opposed to all at once, so it literally IS pieced together. While I don't agree with the patchwork idea, you are right, it isn't one "red line" as you say. I also design each area, or CP based around an alternate theme to try and keep things interesting (A=sewers, B=garage, C=Communications center, D=Missile Testing under constructions, E=Control Center), thus every area looks and feels different.

At the same time, I INTENDED for it not to be a linear experience but a more open one instead, and I think I've been reasonably successful doing so while allowing players to get around relatively easily (after a round or two of course heh).

I don't intend to scale down the map anymore at this point, as I haven't received complaints about the size since the later alphas, but if you have any suggestions I'm all ears. Same goes for sign-placement to help with the initial confusion.

@Icarus, I think it's too early to tell if the balance is off on the points, as a teams success still seems to be based on who knows the map best. If it is unbalanced though, how would you suggest I address the issue?

As for the map size, it's entirely because of the skin on the Semi-Truck model. If anyone knows how to compress it I'd be eternally grateful!

@Ravidge, I'm surprised you found the sewer tunnels confusing, as there really are only 3 parts to them. 2 for the A side tunnel and one to the B tunnel. And all of them are marked, plus you have 70 seconds to figure them out at setup time .

Defenders have a great way of defending against the Vent, just go around back of them and flush them out! It's no different than Blue's right tunnel, Dustbowl Stage 2. What about a Pyro to airblast them? Counter-uber? Get creative!

Again, the map is designed to be more open. No it's not the usual format, yes it's more confusing and not everyone will like it, but that's the price of creativity. I don't expect everyone to enjoy the open feel, but I can only hope some people do!

@MrMuffinMan, I don't know if you played the most recent version, but I removed the circular door between C and E for just that reason. It's hell for Red now, as they are vulnerable to Soldiers, Demos and Snipers now. I decided to leave the D > E door though, as Red's spawn is right there.